COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the nation reflected and honored the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, on Wednesday, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium shared a heartwarming story of two bonobos that were impacted.
On Sept. 11, 2001, two bonobos, Unga and Kosana, were flying from Belgium to their new homes in the United States. When they were just one hour away from the U.S. airspace, their plane was diverted because of the attacks.
Their plane, along with 38 others, was redirected to the town of Gander in Newfoundland, home to just 10,000 residents.
The community of Gander came together to provide food, shelter and care for the stranded passengers and animals.
Unga and Kosana spent five days in Gander until they could continue traveling to the United States.
Those familiar with Broadway may recall that Unga and Kosana's story is featured in the Tony Award-winning musical "Come From Away."
Unga found a home at the Columbus Zoo where she lived until she passed in March 2021 at age 29. Two years after arriving at the zoo, Unga gave birth to a baby boy named "Gander" in honor of the town that welcomed her and Kosana.
Gander still lives at the Columbus Zoo and now has a child of his own.
"This beautiful story is a testament to the power of kindness and the connections that unite us all, no matter the species," the zoo said in a post on Facebook.
